The supporters of one of the most resilient Clemson football players in recent memory have bid farewell to him after four seasons of support. In a social media message on Monday, senior running back Phil Mafah expressed gratitude to the football staff, his teammates, his family, and Clemson supporters. Part of his post says, “My time at Clemson has helped shape me into the man I am today and will help me for years to come.” Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to the fans who have stood by us from the start.
Mafah continues by saying that he is eager to focus on the 2025 NFL Draft. Although it’s early in the process, he is predicted by some websites to be selected in the fifth round; nevertheless, this could alter as the draft preparation process progresses.He came to college ranked among the top 200 players in the country and was a 4-star prospect from Loganville, Georgia, in the class of 2021. He was forced into action as a true freshman due to injuries that fall, and in nine games, he ran for 292 yards and three scores. He participated in all 14 games as a sophomore the following season. He emerged as one of the program’s best offensive options after rushing for 515 yards and four touchdowns on 98 carries.
He recorded 965 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns in 13 games in 2023, which was a breakout season for him. He averaged 5.4 yards per rush during that time. He and teammate Will Shipley became only the fifth pair of Clemson teammates to surpass 800 running yards in a season since 1948. They became the first backs from Clemson to achieve the feat since C.J. Spiller and James Davis in 2007. Mafah emerged as the Tigers’ preferred running back this season. He rushed for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns despite missing the majority of the second half of the season due to a shoulder ailment. He was named to the third team of the ACC for that.
Mafah leaves large shoes to fill for the Tigers not only on the field but in the locker room where he was one of the program’s most respected leaders. Clemson fans were fortunate to have him represent the program and now wish him nothing but the best of luck as he heads to the NFL.
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